Topics

The Problem

Rebellion arises in a beautiful and perfect mind

Like a spreading virus, God’s trustworthy character is subtly maligned

Open rebellion in heaven

The first humans are also infected with Satan’s lies about God’s character and principles

God is widely perceived to be an arbitrary, vengeful tyrant, and one to be greatly feared

Open rebellion on earth

Widespread assumption: God cannot be trusted. His principles and methods of running the universe are fatally flawed

The Solution

God condescends to use desperate measures out of compassion for his rebellious children

God reveals his great love by stooping to meet a nation of rebels

God uses his Old Testament friends to bring the universe to see his character more clearly

God gently points the universe to the ideal: not by might or power, but through the still small voice of truth

God’s master plan of victory slowly builds towards the climax: his arrival in the flesh

The ultimate condescension as the Creator of the universe enters the womb of one of his sinful creatures

Jesus restores trust by revealing the gentle, kind, and gracious character of God

The life of Jesus: God loves his enemies; God washes dirty feet; God is humble and kind; God is love

The words of Jesus: “If you have seen me you have seen the Father.” “The Father and I are one.”

The ideal is revealed: Eternal life is to know God intimately, as a Friend

The death of Jesus: God’s principle of selfless love is gloriously revealed

The malignant character of Satan and of sin is forever unmasked

Jesus exposes the destructive results of Satan's principle of selfishness and survival of the fittest

Jesus reveals that sin kills, not God

The Result

God’s friends settle into the truth that God really is just like Jesus

The mind is healed of rebellion and distrust

The character is re-shaped in the image of Jesus

Union and selfless love among those settled into the truth about God’s character and principles

The lies about God’s character are fully and forever exposed and defeated

Peace, love, freedom, and an eternity of face-to-face companionship with God